Foster announces consultation on review of economic policy

Oct 05, 2009

Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster launched a short period of consultation on the report of the Independent Review of Economic Policy, today.

In a statement to the Northern Ireland Assembly, the Minister outlined the key areas where the Review Panel has made recommendations, and where she is seeking the views of economy stakeholders, over the next six weeks.

Addressing Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) today, the Minister said: “I invited Professor Richard Barnett to Chair the Review to determine whether existing policies, programmes and resources, in my Department and Invest NI, are contributing optimally to the delivery of the productivity goal set out in the Programme for Government. The Panel has made a total of 58 recommendations, which cover a broad range of issues associated with economic policy development and delivery in Northern Ireland.

“It is clear that the Panel has put a huge effort into addressing these highly significant and complex issues. The conclusions they have reached, and the recommendations made, will require the most careful consideration by all of those with a role to play in economic development.”

The Minister stressed that it is important that stakeholders, and other interested parties, take the opportunity to contribute to the debate on how Government should respond to the Review Panel’s report, adding: “This is, strategically, a very important exercise, as we seek to grow a dynamic and innovative economy to improve the living standards of everyone in Northern Ireland.”

The closing date for this consultation is 16 November 2009. The report can be found at: www.irep.org.uk

Submissions should be sent to: Jacqui RoseDepartment of Enterprise, Trade and InvestmentStrategic Planning, Economics and Statistics DivisionNetherleighMassey AvenueBelfastBT4 2JPEmail: economics@detini.gov.uk